News
Six remanded after public complaints during minister Barugahara’s visit to Masaka
They were arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working together with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Zulaika Nakabiri was jointly charged with Edrisa Bugembe, Abdu Swaburu Dumba and Abbey Makumbi on various charges related to land grabbing in different parts of Masaka. (Courtesy photo)
By: Charles Etukuri, Journalist @New Vision
________________
A woman who featured as a key suspect in land grabbing allegations in Masaka City during the ongoing "Expose the Corrupt" campaign led by local government minister Balaam Barugahara was on Friday (July 31) charged before the Masaka Chief Magistrate's Court and remanded until August 13, 2026.
Zulaika Nakabiri was jointly charged with Edrisa Bugembe, Abdu Swaburu Dumba and Abbey Makumbi on various charges related to land grabbing in different parts of Masaka.
They were arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working together with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In a statement released Friday (July 31), SHACU said the accused had allegedly terrorised residents for a long time by assaulting them, criminally trespassing on their land, unlawfully occupying their property, and destroying crops, trees, houses and other property.
They have since been remanded.
In a separate development, SHACU said Godfrey Ntale, the Local Council One chairperson of Misaala cell, together with John Juuko, were also charged and remanded over allegations of theft and conspiracy to defraud.
In a statement released Friday (July 31), SHACU said the accused had allegedly terrorised residents for a long time by assaulting them, criminally trespassing on their land, unlawfully occupying their property, and destroying crops, trees, houses and other property.
They have since been remanded.
In a separate development, SHACU said Godfrey Ntale, the Local Council One chairperson of Misaala cell, together with John Juuko, were also charged and remanded over allegations of theft and conspiracy to defraud.
The two allegedly deceived members of the public by claiming they could help them access Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
One of the victims, Elvis Ntuumwa, approached them seeking assistance to apply for the funds. Juuko filled out the application in the presence of Ntale and instructed Ntuumwa to register a new SIM card. After obtaining the SIM card's mobile money Personal Identification Number (PIN), they allegedly confiscated the SIM card and later withdrew Sh1 million that had been disbursed to the victim.
When Ntuumwa realised that he had not received the funds and failed to get a satisfactory explanation from the two, he reported the matter during the ongoing "Expose the Corrupt" Baraza held in Masaka.
They were also remanded until August 13, 2026.
One of the victims, Elvis Ntuumwa, approached them seeking assistance to apply for the funds. Juuko filled out the application in the presence of Ntale and instructed Ntuumwa to register a new SIM card. After obtaining the SIM card's mobile money Personal Identification Number (PIN), they allegedly confiscated the SIM card and later withdrew Sh1 million that had been disbursed to the victim.
When Ntuumwa realised that he had not received the funds and failed to get a satisfactory explanation from the two, he reported the matter during the ongoing "Expose the Corrupt" Baraza held in Masaka.
They were also remanded until August 13, 2026.